Lok Sewa · Screening test
First Paper
The first paper is a screening test — you must pass it to qualify for the second and third papers, and part of your score carries into the final merit. Master it with timed mock tests, negative marking, and topic-wise practice.
Exam structure
Marking scheme
100Total marks
40Pass marks
50MCQs × 2 marks
45Minutes
−20%Per wrong answer
0Penalty if unanswered
Negative marking deducts 20% of a question's marks for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions are not penalised — but speed matters: 50 questions in 45 minutes.
What's tested
Core syllabus
Two sections: General Knowledge (GK) and the General Mental Ability Test (IQ).
Section A · GK · 60 marks (30 Q)
General Knowledge
- The Universe: solar system, earth's rotation/revolution, longitude, latitude, time.
- World Geography & History: landmasses, oceans, climates, global milestones.
- Geography of Nepal: physical features, divisions, climate, water & forest resources.
- History, Culture & Society of Nepal: ancient–modern history, festivals, social systems.
- Economy of Nepal: agriculture, industry, trade, tourism, plans, budgets.
- Governance & International Relations: Constitution, UN, SAARC, BIMSTEC, economic diplomacy.
- Science, Technology & Environment: discoveries, public health, climate change, biodiversity.
Section B · IQ · 40 marks (20 Q)
General Mental Ability
- Verbal reasoning: coding-decoding, series, analogies, classification, direction & ranking, assertions.
- Quantitative reasoning: arithmetic, percentages, fractions, ratios, averages, profit & loss, time & work, data interpretation.
- Non-verbal (spatial): figure series, patterns, symmetry, Venn diagrams, mirror/water images, embedded figures.
Focus on Nepal
A large share of GK is Nepal's geography, history, and economy. Keep an updated reference handy.
Master the clock
50 questions in 45 minutes. Practice timed mocks; don't over-invest in one math or data puzzle.
Track current affairs
Read national news and economic surveys for rankings, appointments, awards, and agreements.
Practice
First Paper mock tests & practice
Timed mocks with negative marking, plus topic-wise GK and IQ sets.